This post is being updated for 2018. Check back soon!
For those who celebrate Christmas, the holiday season is hardly complete without a trip to visit Santa. Lucky for us, there's no shortage of places in Westchester where kids can have a meet-and-greet with the big guy, and we’ve rounded them up for you here. If you’re looking for a photo op for your little ones (and your pets!), these Santa sightings are sure to delight you and your little ones this holiday season.
Want an even more relaxed environment? Check out some of the breakfasts with Santa occurring throughout Westchester.
For even more holiday activities, see our coverage on holiday tree lightings and performances of the The Nutcracker, all happening in Westchester.
Winter Wonderland – Valhalla
Select dates from Friday, November 23 – Monday, December 31, 2018
This holiday extravaganza's many attractions include the Santa Experience, where kids and families can meet Santa, share their wishlists, and snap a photo.
Catskill Mountain Polar Express Train – Kingston
Select dates through Friday, December 28, 2018
Take a ride to the North Pole to meet Santa, who will give each guest a silver sleigh bell to take home. Grab your tickets now; this one sells out fast!
Breakfast with Santa – Rye Brook
Sundays, November 25; December 2, 9, and 16, 2018
Dine with the man in red at this breakfast buffet at the Doral Arrowwood's Atrium Restaurant. Reservations are required.
Holiday Spirit Festival – Wappingers Falls
Select dates from Friday, November 30 – Saturday, December 29, 2018
When you're strolling through this winter wonderland, make time to stop by Santa's House to visit the man in red and take some pics.
A Holiday on Huguenot Street – New Paltz
Friday, November 30 – Saturday, December 1, 2018
On Friday following the tree lighting, Santa will be available for free photos on the Deyo House porch until 8pm.
Breakfast with Santa and Holiday Shopping – Briarcliff Manor
Saturday, December 1, 2018
This event at Little Hands, Little Feet Preschool includes breakfast, cookie decorating, shopping, raffles, and more.
Breakfast Fun with Frosty and Friends – Bedford Hills
Saturday, December 8, 2018
For a variation on the holiday breakfast, share a meal with Frosty the Snowman, then stick around for a variety show.
Breakfast with Santa – Ardsley
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Enjoy a full breakfast with Santa and his helpers!
Breakfast with Santa – Ossining
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Youngsters will receive a small gift and have an opportunity to turn in a wish list to one of Santa’s elves from the North Pole. There are two seating times and you must pre-register. FREE
Holiday Breakfast – Scarsdale
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Enjoy pancakes with the big guy in the Scarsdale High School cafeteria. Pre-registration is required, and this one is only available to Scarsdale students in pre-K through third-grade.
Brunch with Santa – Elmsford
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Sing along with Santa at the Westchester Broadway Theatre!
Breakfast with Santa – White Plains
Sunday, December 9, 2018
For the most high-end of these events, splurge on a lavish, gourmet meal with Santa at the Ritz Carlton and enjoy face painting, balloon artists, and more. The hotel’s beautiful ballroom is transformed into a holiday wonderland that the whole family can enjoy.
Breakfast with Santa – Yonkers
Saturday, December 15 and Sunday, December 16, 2018
Santa and other characters will be on hand for a full breakfast, brunch, or lunch with families at Stew Leonard's.
Santa is Waiting - White Plains
The Westchester Mall, 125 Westchester Avenue
Now through Dec. 24, 2017
Santa is welcoming visitors at the Westchester Mall. If your little ones are scared to sit for a photo, they can still gawk and enjoy the magic of seeing Santa in person from the floors above. Santa is located on Retail Level 1, Center Court. The sensory-friendly Caring Santa visit will be held on Sunday, November 19, 2017.
Santa's Winter Wonderland - Yonkers
Cross County Shopping Center, 8000 Mall Walk
Now through Dec. 24, 2017
Check out Santa’s Winter Wonderland and have your kids’ photo taken with Santa at Cross County Shopping Center. A free gift is included. Prepay for photos online to reserve a spot in the line.
Santa’s Cottage – Yonkers
Now through Dec. 24, 2017
This brand-new Ridge Hill experience replaces the DreamWorks Animation Adventure to Santa from previous years. Families can make reservations online, but they’re not required.
Photos with Santa - White Plains
The Galleria Mall, 100 Main Street
Now through Dec. 24, 2017
Santa and his helpers will be at the Galleria Mall this season. Kids can find him on Fashion Level 2 and have their photos taken with the big guy. Pets can take photos from 6-8pm on Dec. 14!
Photos with Santa - Yorktown Heights
Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Boulevard
Now through Dec. 24, 2017
Santa and his team will be visiting the Jefferson Valley Mall in Yorktown Heights. Little ones can share their wish list and take a photo with St. Nick.
Westchester's Winter Wonderland - Valhalla
Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway
Now through Dec. 31, 2017
Winter Wonderland at Kensico Dam features a holiday light display, ice skating rink, sleigh rides, boutique vendors and the Santa Experience, where kids can meet Santa and take pictures. Admission to Winter Wonderland is $15 per person (plus $2.15 service fee). All attractions are included. Kids 5 and under are FREE.
Santa Land – West Nyack
Palisades Center, 1000 Palisades Center Dr
Now through December 24, 2017
In addition to traditional photos with Santa, kids can also enjoy Tuesdays with Santa with a special story time in Santa Land. The sensory-friendly Santa Cares visit for children with special needs will be on Sunday, November 26. Pet photos will be available on December 3, 10 and 17. Santa is located in West Court on Level 1.
For more holiday fun, check out or Holiday Fun Guide! And don't forget our Event Calendar, full of events happening throughout Westchester.
This post was originally published in 2014 and has been updated for 2017.
